MSP praises child payment initiative
A new cash initiative will help challenge child poverty, Rutherglen’s MSP has said.
Clare Haughey made the remarks as new figures revealed that more than 6000 children in South Lanarkshire have benefited from the Scottish Government’s new Scottish Child Payment.
The Scottish Child Payment was introduced in February and supports low-income families with children aged under six, by providing additional financial support for families in receipt of qualifying benefits to assist with the costs of caring for a child.
Ms Haughey welcomed the new stats, and called on eligible local families in Rutherglen to make use of the scheme.
She told the Reformer: “The Scottish Child Payment has been described by charities as ‘game-changing’and we are seeing it make a difference across Scotland.
“It is fantastic to learn of the substantial number of families across South Lanarkshire benefiting from it.
“I am in no doubt that the payment, which is unique in the UK, will tackle child poverty head on. I would urge any eligible families in Rutherglen or Cambuslang who have not yet applied to do so.”
Ms Haughey added: “In Scotland, we are building a social security system built on fairness, dignity and respect.
“Contrast that with the system at Westminster where the UK Government are planning on cutting Universal Credit at a time when vulnerable families need it most.”
The figures, published this week, highlight how many families and children received the payment from the scheme’s introduction in February to June 30, 2021.
The £10 per week benefit has the potential to help around 133,000 children (averaged over this financial year) according to Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasts.
Across Scotland, more than 100,000 children were in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment.
To apply or check eligibility of the Scottish Child Payment, call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
Government plans to impose the biggest overnight cut to the basic rate of social security since the Second World War.
“Cutting Universal Credit will have deep and devastating consequences for a huge number of families with children across Scotland.
“Child poverty was already rising before Covid-19; it is a scandal that the UK Government’s strategy for economic recovery is to plunge families who are already struggling into deeper poverty and debt. Now is the time for MPs and MSPs of all stripes to step up and oppose this cut to their constituents’ incomes.
“It’s not too late for the Prime Minister and Chancellor to change course and reverse this decision.
“While the responsibility for this devastating cut lies with the UK Government, it highlights the urgent need for the full roll-out and doubling of the Scottish Child Payment to support families with children in Scotland.”